The wind is blowing so hard it feels like I can’t hold on much longer. Even if I do, I can’t be convinced that the tree won’t get blown away itself. My little claws are grasping onto a thin branch as I look down to the depths of where I could fall. In this moment I wonder if it’s worth holding on or if I should just let go…

I’m supposed to be able to fly anyway. But somehow that doesn’t give me the confidence time after time to take the plunge. I remember on one of my trips out East, a Taoist person was spreading virtues of “not doing.” I have to wonder how I can possibly “not do.” If I don’t let go, am I not holding onto things I should let go of? If I let go into a situation that feels dangerous, am I doing what I always do—plunging into risk? The fundamental nature of “not doing” is, in itself, doing something!

but this time i am sitting next to him…and Rani & Luna are in the back!

we are headed down to Kuta. i had an inkling that i would end up there…

my first real-life tie to this part of the world came in the form of my dear friend Iman, who is originally from Indonesia and ended up owning a deliciously wonderful restaurant on the Lower East Side of Manhattan called Kuta House. it has sadly closed down, due to overdevelopment that leaves no hope for local culture and small businesses. this theme has come up a lot on this trip and will be discussed more thoroughly a little later in this journey. it seems to be happening everywhere…